Good morning, Bakersfield.

Kern County Animal Services is asking local businesses to host microchip scanning stations that help return lost pets to their families.

The county will cover equipment costs so that scanning is available outside of regular hours.

California is declared drought-free by the U.S. Drought Monitor's map, but local farmer Daniel Palla said water shortages still challenge Kern County farms.

He noted that water often flows to the ocean & forces farmers to use expensive wells, which raises grocery prices for everyone.

Residents in Lamont and Fuller Acres voiced concerns last night as Kern Energy proposed installing a hydrogen purification unit (with seven fuel cells generating up to 3 MW) at the refinery on East Panama Lane; they fear the project may trigger asthma and unpleasant odors.

The proposal is under review.

Locals recall the January 2025 U.S. Border Patrol operation called 'Return to Sender' that detained 78 people and led to a federal injunction, which many say forced residents to stay home and hurt local businesses.

A federal hearing on lifting the injunction is set for Feb. 5.

Irma Carson, the first Black officer for the Bakersfield Police Department and a 16-year city council member, died at 90 as CSUB announced on social media.

City leaders praised her trailblazing service — noting her legacy of opening doors for future generations in our community.

Congressmen Vince Fong (CA-20) and David Valadao (CA-22) hosted a roundtable with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz last weekend in Bakersfield to address local healthcare challenges and discuss upcoming federal policies with community health leaders.

The meeting focused on improving access for rural and underserved areas.

At a Kern High School District board meeting Monday night, supporters and opponents debated the display of the Ten Commandments in alternative schools—no vote was held as the board plans further review.

Residents offered suggestions at the first of three community meetings with an outside auditor reviewing Kern County Child Protective Services — the session focused on improving service delivery as further meetings are planned.

Comedy Night with David Koechner

6:30-10:00 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — $35 General Admission ($50 Preferred Seating) — Enjoy a night filled with laughs from actor and comedian David Koechner.

A Time to Laugh

7-9 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the healing power of laughter with clean comedy from Marcus D. Wiley.

ADAKC Annual Cinnamon Roll Drive

6-11 AM — KGET — $20 — Support a good cause while enjoying delicious Hodel's cinnamon rolls.

Colorado Eagles vs. Bakersfield Condors

7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Adult Jersey Giveaway — Catch an exciting AHL matchup featuring local hockey talent.

Catbox, Do You Compute, Jump From The Bluffs Concert

7-10 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets from $13.83 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring three exciting acts.

Private Eyes: A Tribute to Hall & Oates

7-9 PM — Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an authentic tribute to the iconic sounds of Daryl Hall & John Oates.

Ontario Reign at Bakersfield Condors

7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — $3 Beers Night — Enjoy affordable brews while cheering on the Condors in this exciting hockey matchup.

La Lomita Wine Dinner

6-9 p.m. — The Padre Hotel — $120 per person — Experience a curated four-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings from La Lomita.